The recent visit of King Felipe VI to Casa Tomás in Tenerife, where he tasted their famous ribs with potatoes and pineapple, recalls other occasions when the Royal Family has enjoyed the cuisine of the Canary Islands. These gestures not only enhance the reputation of the establishments but also highlight the archipelago's culinary richness.
The story of Casa Tomás dates back to 1977, when Verísima García and her husband Tomás Galván overcame economic hardship by creating a traditional dish of ribs, potatoes, and pineapple. Today, it is a benchmark in Tenerife, recognized even by the Royal Household.
In Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, King Felipe VI has also had notable gastronomic experiences. In 2020, during the health crisis, he lunched at the Poemas restaurant in the Santa Catalina hotel, where he tried an eel a la benedictine, a dish that, it was revealed, Queen Letizia did not favor, although the monarch described it as "exquisite".
Another establishment visited by the monarch was Bahía Los Abrigos in Tenerife, in June 2023. This family business, opened in 2015, offers fresh fish, rice dishes, and seafood with sea views. King Felipe VI enjoyed "fresh fish and local wine".
A more informal encounter occurred in June 2024 in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, when the King and Queen were invited to try ham at the Don Jamón bar. The employee and waitresses became protagonists due to their natural demeanor during the royal visit.
Princess Leonor has also shown her fondness for Canarian gastronomy. In January 2025, during her stay in Tenerife aboard the training ship Juan Sebastián Elcano, she visited Tasca La Montería in Santa Cruz. The Royal Household expressed gratitude for the "privilege" of sharing a special moment during her visit to the island.
